Pirate FM to help lost and lonely pets find a forever home on Local Radio Day

It is about celebrating proper local radio, like Pirate FM, that wants to make a difference to the area its based in.

The charity in Hayle helps around 300 pets a year but there is a nine month waiting list.

It means many cats and dogs desperately need a new family - a family like Nigel's.

What difference can we make?

By the end of Local Radio Day 2018, the National Animal Welfare Trust, supported by Pirate FM, is hoping to have rehomed as many pets as possible.

Many being looked after at the centre in Hayle have arrived there through no fault of their own.

Manager Louise Clarke-Payne says they have been helping a man with cancer who had to give up his dog.

"He literally gave up the will to live. He just said enough is enough, I'm too poorly, I'm not going to make it, I can't live without my dog and I'm too poorly to have him.

"He got worse and worse and we asked if we could possibly do a visit with his dog. The tranformation in the guy, when he saw his dog, it just lifted him".

Why do so many animals need a forever home?

Louise added: "We see a lot more dogs coming in to the dog wardens with illnesses.

"Maybe people can't afford to look after their health problems or mental problems then they're letting them go or dumping them.

"Finances are getting tighter and tighter and vet bills are going up and up".

Sally volunteers and has two adopted cats. She told Pirate FM: "The fact that you can give them that 'happy ever after' is just a fantastic feeling.

"When you don't know what their previous background is, the fact that it could have been a rough background just makes it all worthwhile; knowing they can have a happy life for however long that may be".

Can you give a pet a forever home? Rehome a dog here. Rehome a cat here.

What is Local Radio Day?

This Friday Pirate FM will join 100 other local radio stations across the UK to mark Local Radio Day.

We think being a local radio station should mean more than doing the bare minimum. We think it should mean employing local people, basing your business in the area it serves – and helping make a difference to the community we all live in.

So on the 25th we’re going to do just that, by giving Cornwall’s lost and lonely animals the best chance of finding their way home.

We'll be broadcasting from the Hayle branch of the National Animal Welfare Trust from 10am, because we think it's part of being a proper local radio station.

And we’re going to give one small business in the Duchy a chance to win a visit from afternoon presenter Johnny Cowling and even a short video of the occasion. Usually it's worth almost £1,500 but you can sign up to win one for free here.

Join Pirate FM live on Facebook from eleven o'clock to meet some of the dogs and cats you could help find a new home.